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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
43
But know this ye, that if the goodman of the house knew at what hour the thief would come, he would certainly watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He refrained from revealing the time of His return so that His followers would remain vigilant and always prepared. His desire was for them to be constantly eager to encounter Him and to lead lives of righteousness, which is why He indicated that His coming would occur when they least expected it. The essence of His message is this: if individuals were aware of the moment of their death, they would undoubtedly prioritize that moment. Thus, to prevent a sole focus on the day of death, Christ does not specify the day of the universal conclusion nor the moment of each individual's demise, urging that people remain in a state of perpetual anticipation regarding that day; it should be an ongoing concern. He intentionally left the timing of each life’s end undisclosed. Moreover, He directly refers to Himself as Lord (Matt. 24:42), a declaration He had not previously made so explicitly. This serves, I believe, as a rebuke to the indifferent, as they do not exhibit the same diligence for their souls as those who remain alert for a thief regarding their possessions. The latter, anticipating the thief's arrival, stay awake and guard their treasures, but you, He asserts, despite knowing that the Lord will undeniably come, remain completely unprepared and neglect to keep watch for the unexpected approach of death; this is the reason that day leads to the downfall of the indifferent. Just as a wealthy man would have taken precautions had he known when he would be robbed, so too would you have fortified yourselves had you been ready."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He clearly explains the reasons behind His previous statement: But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the Son of man, nor the angels, but the Father alone. This knowledge is not essential for the apostles to possess, so that they may maintain their faith in the anticipated return of Him whose arrival they cannot pinpoint. Furthermore, He did not declare: Since we do not know when the Lord has come, but rather: You do not know. By using the illustration of the householder, He clarifies further why He refrained from revealing the timing of His death, saying:"},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In order to convey that the uncertainty regarding the timing of His return, a truth concealed from us by His silence, is indeed purposeful, Christ urges us to adhere to His teachings. We are to pray continuously, ensuring we do not overlook the arrival of the thief, representing the devil, who aims to infiltrate the sanctuaries of our bodies with his deceptions and temptations, intending to bring about our ruin while we are unaware and distracted by our concerns. Therefore, He calls us to remain prepared, for the unknown nature of that day should inspire us to be alert, just as we would be in anticipation of the thief's approach."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What is the situation? The spirit remains unaware when a thief infiltrates through one of its avenues. It only becomes aware when it is led into transgression. Consequently, the spirit must stay vigilant, keeping all entrances secure. The mouth should engage in righteous discourse, the ears should be attuned to divine truths, the eyes should behold the splendid works of the Lord, and the mind should be immersed in reflections of heavenly matters. Merely refraining from speaking evil, listening to it, witnessing it, or contemplating it is insufficient. Such inaction closes off access to both benevolent and malevolent spirits. One who dismisses evil but fails to embrace good leaves an opening for the adversary, who can easily invade. Hence, it is vital for the soul of the upright to not only be devoid of evil but also to be fully filled with goodness, ensuring that there is no gap for wickedness to enter.\\n\\nWhy is the time of a person's death concealed from him? Clearly, it is so that he continually strives to do good, anticipating his departure at any moment. Likewise, the timing of Christ's return is kept secret for the purpose of ensuring that every generation lives in eager expectation of His coming. When His disciples inquired if He was about to establish the kingdom for Israel, He responded, it is not for you to know the seasons or the times which the Father has set by His authority. However, you know that if the owner of the house had been aware of the hour the thief would arrive, he would have remained vigilant and not allowed his dwelling to be violated. The owner represents the human spirit, the thief signifies the devil, the house corresponds to the body, and the doors symbolize the mouth and ears while the windows are the eyes. Just as a thief enters through doors and windows to bring ruin to the owner, the devil readily finds his way into the human spirit through the mouth, ears, and eyes to ensnare him. This is why Jeremiah declared, for death has come up through our windows. To ensure your safety, securely bolt your door, meaning you should place the fear of God upon your speech through His commandments, enabling you to echo the Psalmist's words, I will guard my ways, that I might not sin with my tongue; I will keep a guard over my mouth."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The period known as the fourth watch of the night has been discussed previously. In this context, it is pointed out that if an individual were aware of the exact moment their life would conclude, they would undoubtedly remain alert at that time to avoid perishing. However, this is precisely why the Lord has chosen not to disclose either the ultimate end or the specific end for each person. This omission serves to ensure that individuals do not merely remain vigilant at that moment, but instead live in a state of readiness at all times, anticipating the end and prepared for it continuously."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord emphasized this matter and sought to impress upon the disciples the importance of vigilance, diligence, and faithfulness in their circumstances. Be watchful therefore, for you do not know at what hour your Lord will return. You remain in charge of the household in My absence: the head of the household is always alert, for he must be wary that a thief might approach and break into his home. Reflect instead on your condition after My departure, illustrating the state of the servants entrusted with the household during their master's absence. How dreadful it will be for the servant if the master discovers him squandering his resources recklessly; in contrast, blessed is the steward of the household if the master finds no fault with him, for everyone will be content with his management."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But you understand this, that if the master of the house were aware of the time when the thief would arrive during the night, he would be vigilant, would not allow himself to rest, and would ensure that his home was not broken into."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The arrival of the Lord is frequently likened to that of a thief due to its abrupt and unforeseen nature, as reflected in the scriptures (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10, 1 Thess. 5:2, Rev. 3:3, Rev. 16:15)."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In this discussion, Jesus Christ emphasizes to His followers the unexpected nature of His Second Coming. He addresses this topic multiple times, each time cautioning them against negligence, attachment to earthly possessions, and the distractions of daily life. He encourages them to remain spiritually vigilant and always prepared to meet Him with a sincere heart. If a homeowner were aware of the hour a burglar would arrive, he would stay alert only during that specific time, preventing the intruder from entering. However, since the timing is unknown, he must remain vigilant throughout the night. In the same way, we must be prepared at all times, for the Son of Man will return at an hour we least expect. Being ready for the Savior's arrival involves not merely anticipating it but also dedicating oneself throughout life to that preparation. To prepare for the encounter with the Savior, and to be equipped to respond at His Final Judgment, requires adherence to His commandments, living not according to personal desires but in accordance with God's will. It is essential to reflect on one's past, recognize and repent for one’s sins, seek forgiveness, and resolve to refrain from sinning in the future, striving against temptations with all one's strength. Should we falter, it is vital that we rise again, acknowledge our failures, repent anew, and earnestly seek the mercies of the Lord for support and forgiveness, that we may not be judged for our transgressions. Let us not be complacent, nor assume that the end of the world and the Last Judgment are far off, as we do not know the day or hour we shall depart this life—when we will die—after which there will be no opportunity for repentance. Let us be watchful every moment, refraining from allowing worldly concerns and possessions to ensnare us; may our spirits remain alert to guard against all temptations and deviations from the path of righteousness, enabling us to stand confidently before the Judgment of the Son of Man."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"That day will arrive unexpectedly, serving as a moment of reward for all devoted servants while simultaneously being a time of retribution for those who have not fulfilled their divine purpose and are unready for the momentous occasion. To deepen their understanding of vigilance and faithfulness in their hearts, and to caution them more clearly about the risks of lethargy and the dimming of their spiritual light, He shared two parables about ‘ten virgins’ and ‘talents.’ These narratives were notable for their simplicity and rich in spiritual insight, illustrating the day of dreadful judgment when the King of Heaven will distinguish between nations and individuals, much like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When the timing of the Son of Man's return remains uncertain, believers are called to maintain spiritual vigilance: stay alert and pray, for the exact moment is unknown. To deepen this call to spiritual preparedness in His disciples, the Lord shared a parable where He likened Himself to a master who departs from His estate, representing the Church, to return to His Father in heaven, eventually to come back and assess the work of His servants. He illustrated this as a man who leaves his home, appoints his servants with tasks, and instructs the gatekeeper to remain watchful. This command to be spiritually vigilant is an enduring mandate for all Christ's followers throughout the ages: I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. This imperative is a pivotal message from the Lord. Be cautious, lest your hearts become burdened by indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly anxieties, catching you off guard on that day, like a trap ensnaring all who dwell on the earth. Therefore, be vigilant at all times, praying that you may be found worthy to escape these trials and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord disclosed essential truths to foster prudence and to prevent His disciples from being swept away by the tide of careless living. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man: prior to the flood, the people were engaged in eating, drinking, marrying, and living their lives until the moment Noah entered the ark, completely unaware of what was to come, until the waters swept everything away. Likewise, the coming of the Son of Man will be. In that time, there will be two in a field: one will be taken and the other left; two women grinding at the millstones: one will be taken and one will be left. The Lord had previously cautioned His disciples about the suddenness of His coming at the final judgment, reminding them not only of the nighttime but also of the urgency of the moment (Luke 17:26-30, 35-36). This time, reiterating His warning, He urged His faithful followers to remain perpetually vigilant as they anticipate the last day: 'Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come.' To emphasize the critical need for alertness regarding His return and the severe repercussions of negligence in the most crucial endeavor of salvation, the Lord recalled His earlier teaching about servants awaiting their master's return (Luke 12:39-46)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the teachings of Jesus Christ, He urged His disciples to remain vigilant due to the unpredictability of the arrival of the Son of Man, which has been retained in the memories of every Jew. Luke offers a succinct directive regarding this matter and later reflects on the life and ministry of Jesus, from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper. Mark shares the parable concerning the servants and the gatekeeper who awaited their master, while Matthew provides four parables: 1) the parable of the homeowner who is warned about a thief, 2) the tale of the faithful and unfaithful steward (see Luke 12:39-48), 3) the story of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, and 4) the parable of the talents, concluding with a depiction of the final judgment. The parable highlighting the servants and the gatekeeper waiting for their master emphasizes that the Lord compares Himself to a householder who departs and assigns each servant a specific task, instructing the gatekeeper to remain alert. Each servant should be engaged in their work, and the gatekeeper must stay vigilant for the master's return. Given that the timing of the master's return is uncertain, they are called to remain awake so they can stand before the householder in readiness. Similarly, the Lord has established His church upon the earth and ascended into heaven, visibly departing while promising to return at a time known only to God. Each believer holds a unique position within the body of Christ, endowed with a specific purpose and task to accomplish during their lifetime. As the timing of the second coming of Christ remains unknown—when the final judgment will unfold, and each individual must provide an account of their earthly endeavors, alongside the inevitability of death—believers are urged to remain vigilant and prepared to greet the returning Lord, the judge of the living and the dead."}]}
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